Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS)

The Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) is a prestigious program established by the Shanghai Municipal Government to attract outstanding international students and scholars to study and conduct research in Shanghai’s top universities. It aims to enhance international education exchange, develop Shanghai into a global education hub, and cultivate future leaders with international perspectives.

Scholarship Categories

The SGS is divided into two types:

• Type A (Full Scholarship)
  Covers tuition, accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly living stipend (approximately CNY 2,500 for undergraduates, CNY 3,000 for master’s students, and CNY 3,500 for PhD students).
• Type B (Partial Scholarship)
  Covers tuition and medical insurance only.

Eligible Institutions

More than 30 universities in Shanghai participate in the SGS program, including:

• Fudan University
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• East China Normal University
• Tongji University
• Shanghai University
• Shanghai International Studies University

Each institution sets its own admission timeline and application portal.

Application Period

Applications generally open between January and May every year (depending on the university).
Students are encouraged to apply early, as some programs close their SGS applications before the university’s general admission deadline.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Shanghai Government Scholarship, applicants must:

1. Be non-Chinese citizens in good health.
2. Have a valid passport.
3. Meet educational background requirements:
   • Bachelor’s applicants: high school diploma
   • Master’s applicants: bachelor’s degree
   • Doctoral applicants: master’s degree
4. Meet age limits (usually under 25 for bachelor’s, under 35 for master’s, under 40 for PhD).
5. Not be recipients of other Chinese government scholarships at the same time.
6. Demonstrate academic excellence and language proficiency (Chinese-taught programs require HSK; English-taught programs require IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent).

Application Process

1. Apply online through the Shanghai Government Scholarship portal or directly through your chosen university’s international student application system.
2. Submit the required documents, typically including:
   • Application form for SGS
   • Highest diploma and transcripts
   • Study plan or research proposal
   • Recommendation letters (usually 2)
   • Health certificate
   • Language test results (HSK/IELTS/TOEFL)
3. Wait for university and municipal education authority review.
4. Successful applicants will receive the Admission Notice and Visa Application Form (JW201).

Tips for Applicants

• Emphasize academic achievements and research interests in your study plan.
• Contact your potential supervisor early if applying for a postgraduate program.
• Ensure your documents are translated into Chinese or English and notarized.
• Apply to more than one Shanghai university to increase your chances.

Duration of Scholarship

• Bachelor’s: 4–5 years
• Master’s: 2–3 years
• Doctoral: 3–4 years
  The scholarship is subject to annual review, and recipients must maintain good academic standing to continue receiving support.

Official Website

edu.sh.gov.cn